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We're big fans of the Chevrolet SS here at Autoblog, west coast editor Michael Harley recently saying the Aussie import "comes across as a polished, and very well-rounded, sport sedan package that is more focused on performance than the others." Those others, of course, being competitors like the larger Dodge Charger SRT8 or even the Chevy's more luxurious cousin, the Cadillac CTS Vsport. Now, if reports swirling 'round the internet are true, the SS will be getting another performance-focused addition for the 2015 model year, and it's one we're seriously stoked about: a manual transmission.

This information comes courtesy of Motor Trend editor Jonny Lieberman, who broke the news on Twitter. In addition to the do-it-yourself gearbox, the 2015 SS will also reportedly use General Motors' excellent Magnetic Ride suspension – what's found on the Corvette, among other cars. That setup, combined with a proper row-your-own transmission, should make for one absolutely lovely SS.

When reached for comment, GM spokesperson Afaf Farah told Autoblog, "We have not made any new announcements about the Chevrolet SS." According to Lieberman's tweet, the updated SS will make its debut at the annual Woodward Dream Cruise in August.

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I agree, the interior was the only problem with the G8 GXP I test drove. It's fairly nicely put together, but pretty basic and with lower quality materials than I expect out of a $40k car. The SS has some terrible details in the interior, but overall it's significantly nicer inside than the G8 was.

Personally, I don't care about the manual but I understand that many out there like it so that's cool that it's going to be an option. I'm glad they're putting the mrsc in it. Now they need to put the new Vette motor and the new 8 speed auto in it and then I'll buy it.

Wow, if they follow through on that, this might seriously be my next car when my lease expires in early '16. I had been considering an ATS, but this would be far more fun...
The tough choice will be '15 SS vs used manual '12 CTS-V by that point...

Tough choice. Though the SS should be @50% better MPG HW. All I've seen is that the CTS-V is like 18 HW. That would be a deal breaker if I intended to drive any amount. The difference between $5K and $7.5K in fuel for me would be a consideration. Though the CTS-V wagon, hmmm. I could overlook it-

I see the addition of the magnetic ride is somewhat securing a 2-nd generation of the car. GM wouldn't do this type of investment for a car that will end production in 2017.
There are strong rumors that the next-gen will be based on the CTS Alpha platform. That's the car I'l be waiting for.

A welcome addition, but my gut tells me the stick option would be limited to 500 - 1000 units, which could make it an instant collector's item. Then again, wasn't the SS in general supposed to be limited production-wise?
Maybe this should tempt Dodge to reconsider not putting in a stick in their Charger?

Homely, if it is understated, can be a good thing in a performance car. If you are smart, you don't want to call attention to yourself. Leave that to the bling crowd with their 20" wheels on crossovers and the like.

@Audi, good point, the two are not the same thing. Actually, I consider most modern car design to be homely (and I am being generous). It is as if the cartoon caricature, brutalism school of design took over. The gaping maw, baleen whale radiator openings in crossovers and most Lexus and Infinity models are supposed to be elegant or subtle???

This is what I have been waiting for. This will be the options that push me to buy the ss. I owned a g8 gxp. Wanted to get the ss, but can't understand why no mag ride and manual. Now that it has both I am in. The only thing that could make this better is make it in yellow!